Almost Heaven Princeton 6 Person Traditional Sauna Review

Thinking About Bringing a Sauna Home?

You’ve probably pictured it already — stepping out of the cold and into a warm, cedar-scented room after a long day. Maybe you’re recovering from a workout, or you just want a quiet space to unwind without leaving your backyard.

Barrel saunas like the Almost Heaven Princeton 6 Person Traditional Steam Sauna have become a popular way to get that experience at home, but they’re a real investment, and the specs alone don’t tell you if it fits your space, your budget, or your routine.

I dug into the product details, the specs sheet, and dozens of verified customer reviews to put together an honest look at what this sauna actually delivers, so you can decide if it’s worth it for you.

Product Overview

The Almost Heaven Princeton 6 Person Traditional Steam Sauna is an eight-foot barrel sauna built from solid red cedar, designed for either indoor or outdoor installation.

It’s built around a Harvia 8kW electric heater that can bring the room up to 195°F in about an hour, and it seats up to six people across two horizontal slat benches.

The barrel shape isn’t just for looks — it’s a traditional Finnish sauna design meant to circulate heat evenly and shed rain and snow more easily than a flat-roofed structure.

It ships as a DIY assembly kit, and it’s UL Listed, which means it’s been independently tested for electrical safety.

Key Features and Benefits

Harvia 8kW Electric Heater

This is the heart of the sauna. It heats the room to 195°F in roughly an hour and comes with a built-in 8-hour delay timer, so you can set it before you leave for work and come home to a room that’s ready to go.

The heater also auto-shuts off after 60 minutes, which is a helpful safety feature if you tend to lose track of time once you’re relaxed inside.

Solid Red Cedar Construction

Cedar is a softwood that naturally insulates and holds heat well, which is part of why it’s the standard choice for sauna building. It’s also naturally resistant to rot, mold, and insects, which matters if this sauna is going to live outside year-round.

Sauna Stones Included

Each unit ships with 40 lbs of sauna stones. You can run it as a dry sauna, or splash water on the stones for a burst of steam if you prefer more humidity.

Horizontal Slat Benches with LED Backrest

The two benches are wide enough to stretch out on, and the LED-lit backrest adds a soft glow rather than harsh overhead lighting, which might matter if you’re using the sauna to wind down in the evening.

Optional Vista Window

If you want a view while you sweat, the Vista window is a factory-installed upgrade — a 20″ x 40″ panel of 3/8″ safety glass trimmed in cedar. Several reviewers mentioned it makes the space feel less closed-in.

Weight and dimensions:

Overall exterior dimensions: 6′ 5″ H x 6′ W x 7′ 11″ D
Interior dimensions: 5′ 11″ H x 5′ 11″ W x 7′ 3″ D
Product weight: 835 lbs.
Seating capacity: 6 people
Voltage: 220V, 40 Amps

That footprint means you’ll want a dedicated, level spot in your yard, plus access to a 220V circuit — this isn’t something you can just plug into a standard outlet.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick, honest breakdown based on the specs and the pattern across verified customer reviews.

Things We Liked:

Reaches 195°F in about an hour
Solid cedar build that multiple reviewers called high-quality after years of use
8-hour delay start is genuinely convenient for daily routines
Roomy enough for 6 people to sit comfortably
UL Listed for electrical safety
Naturally rot, mold, and weather resistant
Optional Vista window is a nice upgrade if you want natural light

Things We Didn’t Like:

Assembly is labor-intensive — several reviewers hired a carpenter or needed two people and a full day or more
At 835 lbs, delivery and moving parts into place can be difficult without help
A few reviewers reported heater coil issues within the first year

Verdict

The Princeton holds up well as a traditional steam sauna if you’re comfortable with a DIY-style build and have the space and electrical setup for it. The main friction point isn’t the sauna itself — it’s the assembly and delivery logistics.

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Who Is This Sauna For?

This might be a good fit if you have the outdoor (or indoor) space, a 220V electrical connection available, and either the DIY skills or budget to hire help for assembly.

Homeowners who want a permanent, multi-person sauna rather than a portable one
People comfortable with a multi-day DIY build, or willing to hire a contractor
Those who want the option of both dry and steam sauna sessions

If you’re renting, short on outdoor space, or want something you can set up in an afternoon without help, a smaller or pre-assembled sauna might suit you better.

What Customers Are Saying

Across 24 reviews, the Princeton holds a 4.4 out of 5 rating. Most reviewers who’ve owned it for several years describe it as sturdy and well-built, and several specifically praised the cedar quality after multiple years of outdoor use.

The most consistent complaint centers on delivery and assembly — the sauna is heavy, and a few buyers were surprised by how much physical labor was involved in getting it built and in place. A smaller number reported heater problems developing within the first year or two.

“So beautiful once built. Quality cedar and finishes.”
“I’ve had this Princeton 6-person sauna for five years now and absolutely love it. Assembly was much easier than I had built it up in my mind to be.”
“It’s very sturdy, high quality… The only thing to note: absolutely no way I could put this thing together on my own or with a friend. I hired a skilled carpenter, and it took him and his assistant 2 days.”
“Worth spending the extra money for the Vista window. Makes it less claustrophobic.”
“Sauna heater coils stopped working after only less than 1 year of use. Only half light up, so it only gets to 180 tops.”
“The delivery guys don’t have any tools to move very heavy boxes out of the car. My husband had to help pull out all the boxes.”
“It was a bit tough to put together but the end result is fantastic. It works like a charm, and blends in beautifully into our backyard.”

FAQ & Additional Tips

Where can I buy the Almost Heaven Princeton 6 Person Sauna?
It’s available directly through Wayfair, linked throughout this review.

How long does delivery take?
Reviewers reported delivery windows of roughly one to two months from order, so it’s worth planning ahead if you have a specific date in mind.

Do I need an electrician?
Since the heater runs on a 220V, 40-amp circuit, you’ll likely need an electrician to install a dedicated line unless your setup already has one available.

How long does assembly take?
This varies a lot by reviewer — some report around 5 hours with two people, while others needed a hired contractor and a full 2 days. Plan for more time than you expect.

What’s covered under warranty?
Almost Heaven offers a limited parts warranty covering defects, but it doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, consumer misuse, or damage from not following care instructions. Warranty length varies by part, so it’s worth checking the specifics before you buy.

Is the Vista window worth it?
A few reviewers felt it was worth the extra cost, noting it made the interior feel more open and let in natural light or views.

Final Verdict

The Almost Heaven Princeton 6 Person Traditional Steam Sauna holds up as a solidly built, spacious barrel sauna if you’re prepared for a demanding assembly process and have the electrical setup in place.

If that sounds manageable to you — or you’re willing to bring in help for the build — this could be a strong long-term addition to your backyard.

If you’re looking for something simpler to set up or don’t have the outdoor space for an eight-foot barrel, it might be worth comparing this against a smaller or pre-assembled sauna model instead.

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